a summer day camp program for children dealing with cancer

2011 Programs & Dates

Children’s Island

Developing friends and memories for a lifetime

The Island is located about a mile outside the entrance to Marblehead Harbor.

Each day at 8:00 am and again at 8:45 am the Hannah Glover departs with children and counselors from the State Street Public Landing in downtown Marblehead for the 25-acre YMCA Island day camp. At 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm the Hannah Glover returns filled with tired — but happy — campers.

The Island and its facilities are well maintained to provide a safe, enjoyable experience in a rustic outdoor setting. Included are fields (for volleyball, softball, lacrosse, soccer and archery), beaches, a fleet of watercraft, including rowboats, sailboats and kayaks, a 30′ × 75′ salt-water swimming pool, nature habitats, areas for environmental studies, and more. Facilities include an Arts and Crafts Building, Main Lodge, Sailors Lodge and the Director’s cabin and First Aid Station. Each session includes an overnight stay, a family night, and an exciting “theme day.” All equipment necessary for a quality experience is provided.

Safety is a top priority on Children’s Island. Certified life guards are on duty at all times the pool is open or the beach is being used. All staff members and counselors are CPR certified and first aid trained, and a local physician is on call.

The carefully selected Island staff is made up of program directors and counselors with excellent experience in the field as well as certified waterfront personnel. All participate in extensive pre-camp and ongoing staff training programs.

Nancamp several programs on the Island, including Children’s Island Day Camp for campers entering grades 2 through 6; Islanders Camp for campers entering grades 7 through 10, Counselor-In-Training Program for campers entering grades 9 and 10. Additional program information can be found at www.northshoreymca.org or in the 2011 Summer Camp Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA brochure.

The Children’s Island Day Camp Program

Open to campers entering grades 2–6

The Children’s Island Day Camp Program offers two-week sessions. Activities include sailing, rowing and kayaking, swimming in the Island pool or one of the beautiful beaches, fishing, tide pooling, nature walks, sports, archery, arts and crafts, and other camp games. A Family Night is held during each session.

Islanders Program

Open to teens entering grades 7 through 10

This teen program is designed for the older campers who want more time to experience the island adventures. Teens will be able to kayak around the island, swim and dive in the open waters, fish off the rocks and maintain the lobster traps, as well as learn to cook and survive in the island setting. Special teen overnights supervised and guided by teen specialists complete this teen adventure.

Counselors-in-Training Program

Open to teens entering grades 9 and 10

The CIT program is for those teens who want to develop leadership skills and learn how to effectively work with campers to prepare teens for future employment as counselors. CITs will be mentored by island staff, train and work with groups on conflict resolution and program planning as well as have time to enjoy the island and activities. Teens entering the ninth and tenth grade who wish to participate in the CIT program must apply for a limited number of positions. Applications are available at the YMCA or online.

Children’s Island Sailing Camp

Open to campers entering grade 5 and up

Aboard a fleet of 14-foot American Daysailers, campers will learn to sail under the guidance and expertise of our sailing staff. Campers will develop skills in tying knots, rigging sails, navigating the waters, capsizing and swimming, Sailing trips to locations such as Misery Island and Brown’s Island will sharpen sailing abilities. Campers will learn basic racing techniques. The camp will have two tracks to accommodate the beginner as well as train the intermediate in expert sailing skills. Campers will participate in the island overnight with the day campers but inhabit the Sailor’s end of the island with home base in the Sailor’s Lodge. Time for exploration of island environments, driftwood creations and group projects complete this camp experience. Sailing campers must be able to swim 100 yard crawl and tread and float for 3 minutes to ensure safety. Swim tests are available anytime at the Y by contacting Susan Guertin. Space is limited in this camp to ensure individualized attention and lots of sailing time.

Small Fry Camp

For campers grades K to 1

Small Fry Camp, based at the Lynch/van Otterloo Y at Leggs Hill Road, is designed to provide a fun and rewarding camp experience for the first-time camper. Campers will enjoy swimming in the new outdoor pool and gym games on the outdoor field. Campers will travel to local beaches, museums, and more. Afternoons will include free swim, sports, art, and rock wall.

Explorers Camp

For campers entering grades 2 and 3

Explorers is designed for the camper who wants to continue with a field-trip-based camp or a half-day camp. Campers participate in swimming, more advanced athletic activities and art projects. Campers will have special Explorers only full-day trips to places such as Canobie Lake Park, Water Country, and Castle Island.

Simchah on the Hill

For children in grades 1 through 7

Situated on the Jewish Community Center’s 11-acre seaside campus in Marblehead, Simchah on the Hill is a Jewish day camp for children entering grades 1–7. It is a collaboration between the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore and Cohen Hillel Academy. Simchah on the Hill provides campers with a variety of activities designed to exercise their minds and bodies, engage their creativity and develop new skills, all under the supervision of dedicated and experienced camp counselors and specialists.

There is something for everyone at Simchah on the Hill. Campers participate in activities that include flagpole, singing, swim lessons, Chugim, weekly Shabbat celebrations, special performers, overnights, family nights, outdoor adventure, Israeli culture and much more.

Experienced adult directors, coaches and certified teachers supervise each camp program. More information on the many programs offered by Simchah on the Hill / Nancamp can be obtained at www.jccns.org

Sailboats